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Hi, my wife and I love this space, who was the architect please?

4 years ago

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DE BEAUVOIR COTTAGE · More Info

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Comments (3)

PRO
ALL & NXTHING
4 years ago
Hi, we did all the designs for this space. www.allandnxthing.com
Fionnuala Barton
4 years ago
Where are your double glazed crittal-style doors from?
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Do I need an architect?
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There seems to be a gulf of misunderstanding between the architectural profession and clients. It is clear to (good) architects that a good architect will transform any project and the cost of that service will bring enormous value to the client. However, there any many non-professionals who haven't trained for 7 years that are all too willing to offer a service which is perceived by the public as being very similar only at a lower cost - unfortunately this couldn't be further from the truth. A builder won't help you as he is likely to be looking at any project from his commercial perspective and anyway he is unlikely to have any design training. A technical service will be able to produce plans, but not architecture or great design, therefore a good architect is the obvious solution. However, selection of the right architect is just as important as we do not all do the same thing; it is most important to find someone whose work matches your style and that you can build a great working relationship with, rather than an architect who gives the lowest quote. We do not do this type of project, but concentrate on complete new homes - especially paragraph 55 homes. I hope that this advice is of use and that you find a great architect to work with.
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When do I involve an architect?
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Hi again, That makes a big difference and if the budget is not limitless then I would definitely explore what you can do with the existing space before you look into extending. If you look into that and it doesn't work, then you know that you really do need to extend and you know it will be a great use of your budget. Extending will take up a large chunk of that budget (great breakdown suggestion by Jonathan!), so if you don't really need it then personably I wouldn't do it as it leaves you less for everything else I know for us that looking at an architect for deciding on how to reconfigure the space would have eaten into a large chunk of our money! (He had about the same budget as you) we did explore this and got several quotes - which I hasten to add varied a lot! Both a concept planner and interior designer will be able to look at the available space and come up with 3D images of how the space would look and suggestions to reconfigure what you've already got. Put very simply a concept planner will give expert advice on the layout and an interior designer will do the same as this but in addition to that, work with you in all of the interior styling (electrics plans, colour schemes, lighting plans, all your carpentry specifications, furniture, soft furnishings and a lot more!). Clearly the second option is more costly than the first and it is very personal preference on whether you feel you're capable of pulling everything together and getting the 'look' you want without any professional help. I am rubbish at this and was scared to death I'd have spent all this money on the practicalities but would end up with something quite 'flat' if I didn't get help on how to style it all!! There are a few different concept planners on here (Karen from OnePlan mentioned above certainly gets excellent reviews) and also interior designers (Gina from Create Perfect was who we used and we opted for the concept planning plus styling package due to my rubbish ability to pull everything together as a whole look!) Having a professional on board for all of the interiors finishes was a must have for me but this isn't something everyone needs and is a very personal decision!. The cost difference was far less than I expected between the two options, so somehow I even convinced my hubby it was worth a bit extra :) It is definitely worth noting that not all concept planners only offer just the space planning so make sure when you are looking at quotes etc that you get quotes for the different options they offer. I know Karen from OnePlan pointed earlier this week that she can also offer all of the interior design services. They key here is knowing what you're getting for each quote so you can truly compare like for like and don't end up wasting any of your hard earned money :) Also make sure you ask about Trade discounts! Gina passed all of hers onto us so we saved a fortune (thousands not hundreds) on ordering all the things we needed! I'm not sure everyone offers to do the same but it really does add up, so make sure you ask the question when you're comparing quotes. You can do all of the above very early on and I know we started doing this before we even moved in! As it definitely all takes longer than you would think! The next key question to answer if you do go down the concept planner or interior designer would be: Does your new use of the space involve changing any structural walls etc (opposed to just stud walls)? If you are changing structural walls then it is very likely you will need a structural engineer to provide the calculations to your builder for any steels etc (you would also need this for building regs). Our costs for this element were around £1,500. Coming back to your original question on an architect the one thing to keep in your mind is that you will need a basic set of drawings for giving to your builder and also buildings regulations (if there are structural changes) as it will form the contract between you. Because we worked with an Interior designer who did the concept planning for us first, we were just able to tell the architect what we wanted for the drawings so our cost was just £500 for the drawings in comparison to the quote of over £5,000 when we were looking at them doing the design too! A lot of architect's will also recommend (as already seen above) that you have a architectural survey done first- this is so they know what they are working with in the first place and in very simple terms is a version of a floor plan that they can then use for designing from. This can be an expensive option so again, just be certain you would need this (our quote for one of these was £1200 on top of the architect's design fees) I guess one of the early decisions you'll need to make is whether you do want a concept planner or interior designer on board and if you do go down that route you can start very quickly to look at the different layout options they can give you. Clearly if you decide against that then just going straight to an architect will be your first step and I agree with a lot of the comments above about the sooner the better and going for someone you really 'click' with. From a personal perspective I found having an Interior designer on board from day 1 has been the best money we spent through the whole project- this was quite new to me and just having someone there every step of the way was a lifesaver. It also ensured we made all the right decisions at the planning stage! All the trades (not to mention kitchen companies etc) ask you so many questions both beforehand and actually as they're going along and there are so many decisions to be made- it astounded me! Having someone available 24/7 (and this is why getting the right person on board is so important!) just took all the stress away for me. Any decision or thought or panic I had along the way I would just send in real time (WhatsApp!) to her and have a reply in minutes! Having Gina there gave me the advice (and in some cases reassurance) that we were making the right decisions and I know it's saved us a lot of costly mistakes! It's also made what could have been a very daunting process a lot of fun and really quite enjoyable. I take my hat off to anyone who can do this all on their own but for me, spending a bit of money upfront and having someone 'holding my hand' so to speak all the way through was the best money we've spent out of anything! I also secretly know I couldn't have made it look how it looks now on my own in a million years! Hope it all helps, it is only my experience but if it can be of any help to anyone else in a similar situation then all the better. Claire
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Require a professional architect/designer to help improve my property!
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Comments (11)
I think you are conflicting whether you want and architect or and interior designer there. I think perhaps look at the structural work first then the rest will play out accordingly. We have also had massive issue getting anyone to work here in south wales, but the difference is we know what we want doing, so interesting to hear your having difficulty on the other end of things. We found architects without issue when needed ... just not on here .. YET (limited houzz users in the back of beyond)
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Do I really need an architect?
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Comments (4)
Hi Lola, We're sorry to hear you've had a bad experience with your current architects. It definitely shouldn't be the case that you've been waiting this long for your drawings. However, despite your bad experience, we would caution against sacking off architects all together. Most architects will help you along the way to gaining planning permission, a feat that is no small task. For example, our architects will prepare all the necessary information and drawings required for your project and submit your application to your local council, and amend and resubmit if necessary. This lowers your risk of unwanted delays. Hiring an architect would result in a more logical and stylish final product. They take the client’s requirements into account when creating a structural drawing of the possible extension, and can revise these drawings in the case of client queries. This results in a perfect final design, and a more efficient use of space with a creative edge - and consequently, a higher resale value on the property, which cancels out the initial architectural costs. Not to mention, a renovation that the client is delighted and excited by. What many don’t realise is that hiring an architect, in the long term, is a great way to save your much needed cash. Most contractors do not have the relevant skill sets, which results in a muddled design. The job of an architect is both to unlock hidden space, and to avoid contractor blunders - this results in you getting the best possible build for you budget. Not only this, but architects are able to create a long term plan that is designed to fit your budget, so that scary costs are not racking up out of the blue. Timing wise, we would say it's unlikely for your build will be completed by September, if that's your goal. Even if your renovation is within your Permitted Development Rights, you will still be waiting 8 weeks for the council to OK your build, and even after that, you’ll be hiring structural engineers, perhaps sorting out party wall matters, and putting your project up for tender. We would advise to try and take pressure off, and extend your timing expectations. However, our team could produce designs within two weeks, which would shorten your time scale. I hope this helps Lola, good luck with your extension and please let us know if we can help!
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PRO
ALL & NXTHING
4 years ago
Fabco Sanctuary :)

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